GUEST COMMENTARY: 'Smart Meter Opt-Out' will protect privacy

2:28 PM,
Jul. 19, 2013

Written by

Jeremy Thiesfeldt

The heart of being an American consumer is having a choice, especially regarding matters of personal privacy.

Armed with $3.4 billion federal stimulus dedicated to smart grid projects nationwide or in efforts to enhance efficiency, many local utilities have mandated implementation of "smart meters."

While projected efficiencies are laudable, personal privacy concerns oblige caution. Smart meters can cross the line guarding individual privacy and exploit a customer's dependence on utility services for which there is likely no alternative. ...